Kelly Bryant: Not worried about Lawrence, just focused on Kelly, Kelly, Kelly

Kelly Bryant says he's looking ahead

David Hood - Senior Writer - Tuesday, August 07 2018

CLEMSON – Kelly Bryant stood in front of the media Monday evening and answered all of the tough questions with his trademark smile, but the biggest smile came at the end when he was asked about having to deal with questions about Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence.

Bryant won an ACC Championship last season and is Clemson’s most experienced quarterback, but he still has to answer questions about Watson, the Tigers’ former quarterback, and Lawrence, the heir apparent to Bryant.

He was asked about what it’s like to have to constantly answer questions about Deshaun, Deshaun, Deshaun, and Trevor, Trevor, Trevor, and his answer was perfect.

“I just focus on Kelly, Kelly, Kelly. That is it,” Bryant said before leaving the field to laughter and smiles. “Just focus on being Kelly B like I was a year ago. I want to improve on a year ago, but I also need to focus on myself and if I do that then everything else will take care of itself.”

Life hasn’t been that easy on Bryant – less-than-stellar performances in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama and in the spring have led to questions about his ability to once again lead Clemson to the promised land. Is he good enough of a downfield passer? Is he accurate enough?

Bryant said he doesn’t pay attention to the questions or the criticism, he simply goes back to work.

“I am not worried about criticism. I am going to keep working, working on all areas of my game, including decision making and making checks and trying to get myself out of hot protections,” Bryant said. “So, there is always something to improve on and I am going to work on everything.”

Bryant said his poor showing in the spring game wasn’t a result of poor decision making, it was simply an off day throwing the football.

“I looked at it, and I feel like I was making all the decisions right. I was just missing on a couple of balls. That was just me not getting into a rhythm,” he said. “But with the decision making I feel like I was making all the right reads, I just wasn't connecting. But you know, that is how days are and I had to go back to work and not focus on what is behind me but focus on what is ahead. I feel like I have my confidence. It hasn't gone anywhere. It is still here and I don't feel like anything has changed. I am still going to be me.

“I've been working and trying to get better. Just focusing on one day at a time and not looking ahead. I am trying to be a leader and a little more vocal. I've been challenging myself to be the guy that brings the energy. I know it's hot and I know some days guys are out there dragging, but we want to make the most of it. I am challenging myself each and every day I am out here. I am focused on winning the day and winning the rep.”

Bryant said the coaches have bene transparent and honest with all the quarterbacks in the competition that includes Lawrence and Chase Brice.

“They have been straight up honest with us now and with everything leading up to it,” he said. “It's a competition at every position and the best guy is going to play. There is competition everywhere and you just have to go out there and prove yourself. There is nothing guaranteed. Nothing is given, you have to work for it.

“I don't feel like I have to do anything different. I want to help all of those guys in the room and help them when I can. I am also challenging myself because I have those guys behind me that are very talented and they want that position as well. It's a good, healthy competition and there is good morale on and off the field. I feel like we have a good bunch of guys that want to play.”